The Obesity Epidemic and Mississippi Students
What is the problem?
The 2011 Mississippi Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that among high school students:
For Obesity
16% were obese (students who were at less than or equal to the 95th percentile for body mass index, based on sex- and age-specific reference data from the 2000 CDC growth charts).
For Unhealthy Dietary Behaviors
8% did not eat fruit or drink 100% fruit juices during the 7 days before the survey.
9% did not eat vegetables (green salad, potatoes [excluding French fries, fried potatoes, or potato chips], carrots, or other vegetables) during the 7 days before the survey.
20% drank a can, bottle, or glass of soda or pop (not including diet soda or diet pop) three or more times per day during the 7 days before the survey.
For Physical Inactivity
18% did not participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity (doing any kind of physical activty that increased their heart rate and made them breathe hard some of the time) on any day.
74% were physically active (doing any kind of physical activty that increased their heart rate and made them breathe hard some of the time) at least 60 minutes per day on less than 7 days.
53% did not attend physical education (PE) classes in an average week when they were in school.
71% did not attend PE classes 5 days in an average week when they were in school.
43% watched television 3 or more hours per day on an average school day.
29% used computers (played video or computer games or used a computer for something that was not school work) 3 or more hours per day on an average school day.
What are the solutions?
Better health education
More PE and physical activity programs
Healthier school environments
What is the status?
The 2010 Mississippi School Health Profiles indicates that among high schools:
In Health Education
11% required students to take 2 or more health education courses.
93% had a health education curriculum that addresses all 8 national standards for health education.
80% taught 14 key nutrition and dietary behavior topics in a required course.
72% taught 12 key physical activity topics in a required course.
In PE and Physical Activity
15% did not allow students to be exempted from taking a required PE course for certain reasons (Enrollment in other courses, participation in school sports, participation in other school activities, participation in community sports activities, high physical fitness competency test score, participation in vocational training, and participation in community service activities).
53% offered opportunities for all students to participate in intramural activities or physical activity clubs.
In School Environment
38% did not sell less nutritious foods and beverages anywhere outside the school food service program.
69% did not sell soda pop or fruit drinks that are not 100% juice from vending machines or at the school store, canteen, or snack bar.
12% always offered fruits or non-fried vegetables in vending machines and school stores, canteens, or snack bars, and during celebrations when foods and beverages are offered.
38% prohibited all forms of advertising and promotion of candy, fast food restaurants, or soft drinks in all locations (in school buildings; on school grounds, including on the outside of the school building, on playing fields, or other areas of the campus; on school buses or other vehicles used to transport students; and in school publications).
57% used the School Health Index or a similar self-assessment tool to assess their policies, activities, and programs in nutrition and physical activity.
Where can I get more information?
Visit www.cdc.gov/yrbss or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
Division of Adolescent and School Health